Success on the pitch

Mike Sciacca

Edison High School has had some consistently outstanding teams in

boys’ and girls’ soccer throughout the years, but this season both

programs are simultaneously enjoying banner years.

Entering this week’s play, the two teams had won 25 of 28 matches

played this season.

“We’re both having really good seasons so far,” Edison girls’

coach Kerry McGrath-Crooks said. “It’s exciting for the school.”

Despite losing key senior leadership from last year’s team, the

Edison’s girls’ team has opened the season with a 16-1-1 record,

taking a crucial 2-0 victory from Esperanza on Jan. 15 and a 1-0 win against rival Fountain Valley Tuesday.

The triumph gave the Chargers sole possession of first place in

the Sunset League entering play this week.

On the other playing field, the Edison boys’ team has matched the

success of its girls’ program, getting the season off to a 15-1

record and first place in the Sunset race, thanks to a recent 1-0 win

at Esperanza.

The Chargers have jumped on opponents, and into the headlines, by

becoming one of the county’s top surprises this year in boys’ soccer.

McGrath-Crooks’ girls’ squad is seeking its second Sunset League

title in three years.

The last time Edison claimed the league crown was in 2002 -- the

same year the Chargers also won the CIF Southern Section Division II

title.

Last year, Edison missed out on another Sunset championship by

just a half-game in the league standings.

“We lost a lot of senior leadership from last year’s team, but a

lot of our players have really stepped up to do just a great job for

us this year,” McGrath-Crooks said. “We’ve had players rather

unselfishly, move from one position to a more unglamorous position

this year.

“Sometimes, you get a good mesh of people fitting into your

system, and this group of girls has done just that.”

Edison’s success lies in its ability to display balanced teamwork,

and the ability of several players who were on the bench last year to

relish their roles in the starting lineup.

One Charger who has made a position switch is senior Amanda

Draeger, a returning All-CIF player, who McGrath-Crooks said switched

from outside halfback to center halfback.

Kelsey Bowman’s play in goal has been instrumental in Edison’s

early season success, McGrath-Crooks said, as has been the play of

sweeper Maile Lawrence and speedy forward Christina Clifford.

“We’ve had a lot of girls really give great efforts,”

McGrath-Crooks said. “Every player seems to be contributing to our

success in some way and as a coach, that’s what you love to see.”

McGrath-Crooks also noted the play of twins Meagin and Erin

DuPont, two players she called “workhorses” on the field, both in

practice and come match time.

One player to explode this year has been senior forward Brianne

Wahrenbrock.

“She really wasn’t a starter last year but has come on so strong

this year,” McGrath-Crooks said. “She’s stepped up and has taken on

the role of our big scorer. She’s just having a great season.”

Edison is ranked No. 2 in this week’s CIF-SS Division I poll,

trailing only top-ranked San Clemente, a team the Chargers beat early

in the season.

Five of Edison’s 15 victories have come against teams ranked in

the latest Division I poll.